Animal Ordinances in Colorado Springs, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Colorado Springs or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Colorado Springs has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Pet Limits

Colorado Springs allows up to four dogs and four cats over four months of age per property under City Code Subsection 6.7.106.F, and all dogs and cats must be vaccinated and licensed through the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

Key details: Code Section: City Code 6.7.106.F. Dog Limit: 4 dogs over 4 months of age per property. Cat Limit: 4 cats over 4 months of age per property. License & Vaccination: Required via Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. Potbellied Pigs: Up to 2 per household, under 100 lbs.

Keeping more dogs or cats than the four-and-four cap in Subsection 6.7.106.F, or keeping unlicensed or unvaccinated animals, is a code violation enforced by the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region through citation, the City's payable-fine schedule, and possible impound. Licensing and vaccination must be current at all times.

Breed Restrictions

Colorado Springs has no breed-specific dog ban; Colorado state law C.R.S. 18-9-204.5(5)(a) prohibits municipalities from regulating dangerous dogs in a manner specific to breed, so dogs are regulated by behavior, not breed.

Key details: Breed Ban: None in Colorado Springs. State Preemption: C.R.S. 18-9-204.5(5)(a). Regulation Basis: Behavior and owner responsibility, not breed. Year Enacted: 2004 ('ban on bans'). Dangerous-Dog Authority Retained: Yes, if breed-neutral.

Because regulation is behavior-based, there is no breed to register or surrender. Owners face penalties only for behavior-based violations - running at large, dangerous-dog conduct, biting, failure to license or vaccinate - under the City Code and C.R.S. 18-9-204.5, which carries escalating criminal penalties for owners of dogs that cause injury.

Colorado Springs is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Livestock

Colorado Springs permits limited livestock in certain zoning districts under City Code Chapter 7. Chickens (hens only, no roosters) are allowed up to 10 birds in most residential zones with coop setback of 15 feet from property lines. Goats, pigs, cattle, horses, and sheep require agricultural zoning or minimum 2.5-acre parcels in R-E Estate zones.

Key details: Chicken Hens Max: 10 on under-1-acre lots. Roosters: Prohibited citywide. Coop Setback: 15 feet from property lines. Bees: Two hives per parcel. Horses: 1 acre per horse in R-E zones.

Keeping prohibited livestock in residential zones triggers 30-day remove-or-rezone notices with 100-dollar daily fines. Rooster complaints are the most common enforcement trigger and result in immediate citation.

Wildlife Feeding

Colorado Springs strictly prohibits intentional feeding of bears, mountain lions, deer, elk, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes under City Code Chapter 6 Article 7 and Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules (CRS 33-6-131). Bird feeders must be seasonally managed (taken down April 15 through November 15) in bear country or brought in nightly to prevent attracting bears.

Key details: Prohibited Species: Bears, lions, deer, elk, coyotes. Bird Feeder Window: April 15 to November 15 restricted. Trash Rules: Bear-resistant containers in WUI. State Law: CRS 33-6-131. Report Violations: CPW and COS 311.

Intentional feeding of big game carries a 100 to 500 dollar fine for first offense and up to 1,000 dollars for repeat violations. State wildlife charges under CRS 33-6-131 can add additional penalties. Bear habituation leading to an animal's euthanasia may create aggravating circumstances.

Compared to other cities, Colorado Springs takes a harder line on wildlife feeding. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Dog Leash Laws

Colorado Springs requires all dogs to be leashed or confined at all times when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impound. Off-leash areas are permitted only in designated dog parks.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes — off owner's property at all times. Code Section: §6.7.107 (restraint duty), §9.9.302 (at large). Max Dogs: 4 dogs over 4 months per property (§6.7.106.F). Off-Leash Areas: Designated dog parks only. Enforcement: HSPPR Animal Welfare Officers: 719-473-1741.

Citations issued by HSPPR Animal Welfare Officers. Fines vary; repeat violations may require court appearance.

Exotic Pets

Exotic animals — non-domesticated, non-native, or wild/predatory species — require an Exotic Animal Permit from the City of Colorado Springs. Permit applications are made through the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — Exotic Animal Permit through HSPPR. Code Section: §6.7.111–6.7.114. Application Contact: HSPPR: 719-473-1741. State Law Also Applies: C.R.S. §33-6-107 (Colorado Wildlife Act). Common Restrictions: Big cats, primates, venomous reptiles subject to ban.

Unlawful possession is a criminal offense under city code; penalties include confiscation of the animal.

This is one of the stricter rules in Colorado Springs's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Colorado Springs with hive limits based on property size. Properties under 10,000 sq ft may have up to 2 hives; larger properties are permitted more hives on a sliding scale.

Key details: Under 10,000 sq ft: Max 2 hives. 10,000 sq ft – 1 acre: Max 4 hives. 1–2 acres: Max 5 hives. Code Section: Chapter 7, Article 3, §105. State Registration: Required by CO Dept of Agriculture (free).

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Unregistered apiary: state-level penalty.

Chickens & Livestock

Colorado Springs lets residents keep up to ten rabbits or chickens six months or older with at least four square feet of shelter per animal, but roosters are prohibited and on-lot slaughter is banned; up to four hoofed pets are allowed under City Code 6.9.101.

Key details: Chickens / Rabbits: Up to 10, age 6 months or older. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop Space: At least 4 sq ft per chicken or rabbit (City Code 7.3.105.A). Hoofed Pets: Up to 4 per property (City Code 6.9.101). Slaughter: Prohibited on residential lots.

Keeping a rooster, exceeding the ten-bird or four-hoofed-animal limits, slaughtering animals on a residential lot, or failing to meet coop space and setback standards is a code violation. Enforcement is through the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (Animal Law Enforcement) and the City's neighborhood/code enforcement, with citations and the City payable-fine schedule.

The Bottom Line

Colorado Springs is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Colorado Springs, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Colorado Springs's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.